In brief
Fighting and accusations escalate as local communities bear the brunt of violence and famine in North Darfur.
The Zamzam camp in North Darfur, which has become a refuge for around 500,000 people suffering from famine, has experienced a devastating attack by a paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Reports suggest that the camp was stormed, leading to looting and the destruction of the market and several homes. Eyewitness accounts describe the situation within the camp as "extremely catastrophic," with numerous casualties being reported.The RSF had previously engaged in extensive shelling of the region, marking this as the first instance where they have been accused of direct actions in the camp itself. Tensions have flared in el-Fasher, the nearest city engulfed by civil war since 2023, as the RSF and the Sudanese military have deteriorated from past allies to violent rivals.A spokesperson for the RSF denied charges of storming the camp, suggesting instead that they had seized control of a military outpost belonging to an armed faction. However, social media footage showing armed men within Zamzam, combined with the community's accounts, raises significant doubts about the RSF's claims.Amid the chaos, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which operates a medical facility in Zamzam, reported receiving seven deceased individuals and 21 injured, most in critical condition. The lack of surgical capabilities at the local hospital has compounded an increasingly dire situation, leaving many victims without access to necessary treatment. Local health officials lament that the RSF has impeded access to el-Fasher, preventing the wounded from receiving proper medical care.The humanitarian crisis within Zamzam has escalated alongside the violence, which intensified significantly late last year due to continued assaults attributed to the RSF. International humanitarian groups have condemned the attacks and highlight the dangers confronting displaced individuals in North Darfur, asserting that there are no longer any safe havens for them amidst the ongoing conflict marked by allegations of ethnic cleansing.El-Fasher remains one of the few cities under military control in the ongoing turmoil, while the world watches the unfolding tragedy for the displaced people who have fled their homes in search of safety and stability.
